Historical Markers in Washington County, Maine
A rich fishing tradition continues year-round
Addison
Birthplace of the U.S. Navy
Building A Community / Tout à bâtir
Burnham Tavern
Calais 100th Anniversary of Incorporation
Camp Lee - Stephenson
Capt. Bucknam House
Chiputneticook Chain of Lakes
Civil War Memorial
Civil War Memorial
Civilian Conservation Corps
Cobscook Bay
Columbia Falls Town Hall
Congregation Chaim Josef
Cultural History
Dawn's First Light Shines on Free Masonry
Early Settlers of the Pleasant River
Easternmost Point in the U.S.A.
Eastport Civil War Memorial
Eastport Fisherman Statue
Exploring the Coast / Exploration de la côte
First Meeting Place of Washington Lodge No. 37 F.&A.M.
First Naval Battle of the American Revolution
First Permanent English Settlement in Machias Bay
Fort Machias/O'Brien
Grange
Granite Quarry
Hannah Weston Memorial
Hasseys Riverside Park
Imagining the Settlement / La colonie telle qu'on l'imagine
Jonesboro Union Church
Jonesboro War Memorial
Jonesport War Memorial
Lessons Learned / Leçons durement apprises
Libby Hall
Lubec Veterans Honor Roll
Lumber Mill
Precise Positioning and the 45th Parallel
Princeton War Monument
Rivers & Streams: Ancient Highways of the Wabanaki
Saint Croix Island
Sardine Industry
Settling on Saint Croix Island / Colonisation de l'île Sainte-Croix
Shipbuilding
Strangers Offshore / Étrangers du grand large
The Machias River
The Roosevelts and Eastport
The Ruggles House
The "sleeping giant" view of Mount Katahdin
Town of Weston Honor Roll
Trapped For The Winter / Prisonniers de l'hiver
Veterans Memorial
Veterans Memorial
Veterans Memorial
Veterans Memorial
War Memorial
Welcome to Million Dollar View Scenic Byway
Welcome to Saint Croix Island International Historic Site / An Enduring Legacy
Weston & Danforth's architecture
When trees were used for tanning
World War I Memorial
World War II Roll of Honor
World War Memorial
About Washington County
Washington County Timeline
Washington County, located in the northeastern corner of Maine, has a rich history that spans thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by various Indigenous tribes, including the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot peoples, who lived off the land and utilized the bay and rivers for fishing.
In the early 17th century, European explorers and settlers began arriving in the area. Dutch colonists were among the first Europeans to establish a presence, followed by the English who claimed the land for their expanding colonies. The English established trading posts and fishing villages, leading to increased European presence in the region.
During the American Revolution, Washington County played a significant role. The population was divided in its support, with some residents favoring independence while others remained loyal to the British Crown. The area's coastal location made it a hotbed for smuggling and privateering, as it provided easy access to the Gulf of Maine and the Atlantic Ocean.
In the 19th century, Washington County experienced significant economic growth, particularly in the lumber and fishing industries. Sawmills and shipyards were established, taking advantage of the region's abundant forests and access to the sea. The coastal towns also became popular summer destinations for wealthy tourists, who were drawn to the picturesque coastlines and natural beauty of the area.
Today, Washington County continues to be known for its natural resources and picturesque landscapes. It remains a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and kayaking. The county also has a strong sense of community pride and embraces its historical roots, with numerous museums, festivals, and events celebrating the region's unique history and culture.
In the early 17th century, European explorers and settlers began arriving in the area. Dutch colonists were among the first Europeans to establish a presence, followed by the English who claimed the land for their expanding colonies. The English established trading posts and fishing villages, leading to increased European presence in the region.
During the American Revolution, Washington County played a significant role. The population was divided in its support, with some residents favoring independence while others remained loyal to the British Crown. The area's coastal location made it a hotbed for smuggling and privateering, as it provided easy access to the Gulf of Maine and the Atlantic Ocean.
In the 19th century, Washington County experienced significant economic growth, particularly in the lumber and fishing industries. Sawmills and shipyards were established, taking advantage of the region's abundant forests and access to the sea. The coastal towns also became popular summer destinations for wealthy tourists, who were drawn to the picturesque coastlines and natural beauty of the area.
Today, Washington County continues to be known for its natural resources and picturesque landscapes. It remains a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and kayaking. The county also has a strong sense of community pride and embraces its historical roots, with numerous museums, festivals, and events celebrating the region's unique history and culture.
Washington County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Washington County, Maine.
- 1789 - Washington County established as a county in the state of Maine
- 1808 - Machias becomes the county seat of Washington County
- 1838 - Washington County's population reaches 10,784
- 1860s - Lumber industry booms in Washington County
- 1889 - Washington County's population reaches its peak at 34,518
- 1914 - Eastport becomes the easternmost port in the United States
- 1940s - Decline in the lumber industry negatively affects Washington County's economy
- 1961 - Quoddy Dam is completed, creating the West Quoddy Head State Park
- 2002 - Washington County's population declines to 33,941
- 2012 - 75% of the county's land is under forest cover